Commencement Tuesday, October 13, 2020 2:00 p.m. EST Virtual Ceremony
Welcome to the 121st commencement of Salus University. We have conferred degrees on healthcare professionals since our first commencement in 1922 as the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO). Over the years, the name of our institution may have changed, but the excitement and anticipation of commencement day has always remained the same. Salus University was established by the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO), later renamed to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), which was founded in 1919 to create a professional school of optometry on par with those of medicine and dentistry. That century-old legacy continues, as the University maintains and increases higher standards of education and clinical proficiency for the professions we serve. From 1919 to 1983, Optometry was the College’s sole program. In 1983, master’s degrees in Blindness and Low Vision Studies were introduced. In 2000, the Audiology program began, followed by Physician Assistant Studies in 2007. Today, Salus offers additional degree programs in Biomedicine, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology. Salus University is a diversified, globally recognized professional academic center of learning that offers a wide range of accredited postgraduate degree programs. There are more than 1,200 Salus students and over 14,000 alumni worldwide. This is a day of great pride for our graduates as well as their families and friends. The faculty and staff of Salus University are proud of what our graduates have achieved during their time with us and hope you will join us in this celebration of their achievements. Congratulations to the families and friends of the Class of 2020 for your ever-important, unheralded support of your graduate. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We are proud of what each of you has accomplished. Last year, as the University’s celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of PCO, and this year, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Osborne College of Audiology, we will continue to celebrate our legacy of changing lives and the exciting vision we have for the future. During this year’s fall commencement, the University will bestow doctoral and master’s degrees in the professions of Audiology, Blindness and Low Vision Studies, Biomedicine, Clinical Audiology, Clinical Optometry with an International Advanced Studies certificate, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, and Physician Assistant Studies. 1
Order of Ceremonies Academic Procession Pomp and Circumstance ....................Edward Elgar National Anthem ............................................ music by John Stafford Smith lyrics by Francis Scott Key Aaron Patterson Organist
Star-Spangled Banner O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Introduction................Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, LHD (Hon.), MBA President Graduate Commencement Address .............................Ashley Maria Senss College of Health Sciences
Honorary Degree Doctor of Laws Oration .............................................................................. President Mittelman Conferring of Honorary Degree................................... President Mittelman 2
Arthur L. Haywood III Pennsylvania State Senator After receiving his bachelor’s degree and graduating Magna Cum Laude from Morehouse College, Senator Art Haywood went on to attend the London School of Economics as a Marshall Scholar to complete his master’s degree, and then graduated from the University of Michigan Law school in 1985. Senator Haywood began working at Community Legal Services, saving families from home foreclosure. He also worked at Regional Housing Legal Services, and in private practice as a lawyer, assisting nonprofit organizations to revitalize neighborhoods. The State Senator has previously served as legal counsel to Esperanza, a community development organization in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia. In 2009, he was inspired by President Barack Obama to run for township commissioner in Cheltenham. He won that election, and his work as commissioner included divesting pension money from gun-makers, starting the Sustainable Cheltenham initiative, and creating a nondiscrimination ordinance for sexual orientation and gender identity. After serving as President of the Board of Commissioners in Cheltenham, he was elected State Senator for the 4th district in 2014. Through his leadership, Senator Haywood has worked to reduce homelessness through expansion of the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act, passed requirements to test for lead in water in Pennsylvania schools, and successfully championed legislation to relocate domestic violence survivors living in public housing. Organ Interlude
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Honors A complete list of award recipients is present on the University website at www.salus.edu/commencement Announcement of Honors ............................. James M. Caldwell, OD, EdD Dean of Student Affairs
Pennsylvania College of Optometry Master of Science in Clinical Optometry Program Alumni Association Award Attainment of the highest academic average. Leadership Award Demonstrated exceptional leadership in organizing, administrating and advocating excellence in international optometry.
College of Education and Rehabilitation Blindness and Low Vision Studies Program Alumni Association Award Attainment of the highest academic average.
College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies Program Alumni Association Award Attainment of the highest academic average. Clinical Excellence Award Demonstrated excellence in the clinical phase of the program. Pi Alpha National Honor Society Pi Alpha National Honor Society is organized for the promotion and recognition of significant academic achievement, leadership, research, community/professional service and related activities, and the encouragement of a high standard of character and conduct.
College of Education and Rehabilitation Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Alumni Association Award Attainment of the highest academic average. 4
College of Health Sciences Alumni Association Award Graduate Biomedicine Program Attainment of the highest academic average.
Osborne College of Audiology Doctor of Audiology Program Alumni Association Award Attainment of the highest academic average.
Degrees Presentation of Candidates ............................................ Barry S. Eckert, PhD Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs Conferring of Degree ..................................................... President Mittelman
Pennsylvania College of Optometry Master of Science in Clinical Optometry International Advanced Studies Certificate
Mazen Alokiliy Shixing Niu
Ahmed Skaik Jiahong Zhou
College of Education and Rehabilitation) Master of Science Orientation and Mobility
Cora Faye Franze Chasity Gillepsie Caroline Elizabeth Marks
Shane P. McManus Shannon C. Spicer
Master of Science Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Katie Lee Lepis
Osborne College of Audiology Master of Science in Clinical Audiology Nidhi Pathak
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College of Health Sciences Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant Studies
Sabrina Kabel Barmat Kristen Michele Bate Austin Charles Benner Marina L. Brown Emily Lauren Bwint Marissa Danielle Cavett Madison Elizabeth Dastis Viviana Lorraine Di Stefano Amy Kathryn Doering Elliot Dutton Rebecca Sydney Finkelman Julia Fornatto Emily Fransko Navneet Gill Shelby Graff Nicole F. Harnwell Hannah Grace G. Hartman Katherine Michele Heller Andrea Shea Hensley Iva Hodaj Elysa Kolvek Sophia Lane Dalton Joseph Laut Ashlen Rebecca Lawrence Kari Beth LeMond
Yu Hsuan Lin Alyssa R. Lipcsey Kristi-Ann Nicole Loehr Nicholas H. Lord Morgan Lee Lukievics Ryan A. Martzall Kimberly Anne McCarty Lindsay M. Mirakian Maria G. Nikolinos Emily Rose Noll Amanda Nicole Gicaro Ocampo Nisha Marie Orren Makaila Samonne-Hunt Palazo Kirsten Magda Pedersen Brianna L. Rafferty Victoria Kathryn Ruch Elizabeth Sarah Scott Zachary Seaman Ashley Maria Senss Amanda Ann Srinivasan Allison Paige Tomack Melissa M. Tuma Neil Walter Woltjen
Presentation of Candidates ...................................................... Provost Eckert Conferring of Degree ......................................................President Mittelman
Pennsylvania College of Optometry Doctor of Optometry Vu Le Nguyen
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College of Education and Rehabilitation Doctor of Occupational Therapy Amber K. Fessler Florence Mercier Valentina A. Neufeld
Osborne College of Audiology Doctor of Audiology – Online Bridge Program Jinice Dagasdas Bautista Alicia Flores Sanchez Krithika Lyengar Saha Raakhee Sachin Kamat Philippa Long
Mitra Mehra Chandan Saha Nina Menon Samal Rahana Nandan Vannathan Veedu
Osborne College of Audiology Doctor of Audiology Ashley Andre’ Lameiras Kristen Shae Ramos
College of Health Sciences Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedicine Saeed Hameed S Aljohani This program was printed before final certification of graduation. Therefore, this listing is tentative only. Any errors or omissions are inadvertent, and the university cannot be held responsible. The academic transcript is the official record.
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Administration of Oath to Professionalism ........................... Provost Eckert
The Oath to Professionalism With full deliberation I freely and solemnly pledge that: I will practice the art and science of my chosen profession faithfully and conscientiously, and to the fullest scope of my competence. I will uphold and honorably promote by example and action the highest standards, ethics and ideals of my chosen profession. I will provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern, with compassion and with due regard for their human rights and dignity without discrimination. I will place the treatment of those whom I serve above personal gain and strive to see that none shall lack for proper care with their welfare my utmost concern. I will maintain absolute confidentiality of all information provided by those who seek my services. I will continuously strive to broaden my knowledge and skills to deliver all new and efficacious means to enhance my services. I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country and humankind. I hereby commit myself to be steadfast in the performance of this, my solemn oath and obligation.
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Congratulations from the Salus University Alumni Association ............................................................................ Amanda M. Marchegiani, AuD President, Alumni Association Music Postlude Toccata ............................................................................................John Weaver
Presidents Salus University Established 2008
2013 – present ........... Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, LHD (Hon.), MBA 2008 – 2013 .......................................................... Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD
Presidents Pennsylvania College of Optometry Established 1919
1989 – 2008.......................................................... Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD 1979 – 1989...........................................Melvin D. Wolfberg, OD, LHD (Hon) 1972 – 1979 ......................................Norman E. Wallis, OD, PhD, DSc (Hon) 1960 – 1972....................................................................... Lawrence Fitch, OD 1919 – 1960 .............................................................................. Albert Fitch, OD
Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs Salus University 2019 – present ................................................................ Barry S. Eckert, PhD 2018 – 2019 ......................................................Melissa A. Vitek, OD (Interim) 2014 – 2018 ...........................................................Janice E. Scharre, OD, MA 2008 – 2014......................................Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD, MEd, MPH
Vice President of Academic Affairs Pennsylvania College of Optometry 1989 – 2008......................................Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD, MEd, MPH
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Deans Pennsylvania College of Optometry 2016 – Present....................................................... Melissa E. Trego, OD, PhD 2014 – 2016 .................................................................... Lori Grover, OD, PhD 2009 – 2013 ........................................................................... Linda Casser, OD 1989 – 2009......................................Anthony F. Di Stefano, OD, MEd, MPH 1979 – 1989........................................................... Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD 1974 – 1979 ..................................................... Jerald W. Strickland, OD, PhD 1973 – 1974 ......................................Norman E. Wallis, OD, PhD, DSc (Hon) 1971 – 1973............................................................ Don W. Hickman, MS, PhD 1967 – 1969...........................................................Stanley S. Willing, MA, EdD 1950 – 1967....................................................................... Lawrence Fitch, OD
College of Education and Rehabilitation 2019 – present................................................... Barry S. Eckert, PhD (Acting) 2017 – 2019...........................Barbara Schwartz-Bechet, MS, EdD (Interim) 2016 – 2017.......................................................................... Jason J. Barr, PhD 2008 – 2016.................................................................... Audrey J. Smith, PhD
George S. Osborne College of Audiology 2016 – present ..................................................Radhika Aravamudhan, PhD 2009 – 2016........................................................................Victor H. Bray, PhD 1999 – 2007 .............................. George S. Osborne, DDS, PhD, AuD (Hon)
College of Health Sciences 2018 – present ..............Donna Agnew, MSPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA (Interim) 2008 – 2018.......................................Lorraine Lombardi, MS, PhD (Interim)
The Ceremonial Mace The mace is a traditional symbol of authority dating back to the Middle Ages. The use of ceremonial maces by educational institutions began in the 17th century, when Cambridge and Oxford Universities in England adopted the mace as an emblem to be carried on ceremonial occasions. In keeping with many colleges and universities in the United States that began the tradition of ceremonial maces in the 20th century, Pennsylvania College of Optometry - the founding college of Salus 10
University - adopted the mace in 1993 for significant ceremonies. The mace bearer traditionally precedes the president of an institution as he/ she enters or departs.
The Chain of Office Our president wears a Chain of Office for all commencement ceremonies with the University’s official seal on the central medallion. The chain connects four smaller medallions and banners that honor the four Colleges of the University. Additional banners are dedicated to the previous presidents of our founding college, Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Salus University. Presented by the Alumni Association, the Chain of Office is an expression of the history and traditions of Salus University.
The Academic Regalia The wearing of academic dress dates back to the early days of the world’s older universities. American universities adopted academic dress in 1895 and immediately established a code of regulations followed today by almost all American institutions. Establishment of this code has made it possible to distinguish the bachelor, master and doctoral degree holders, while at the same time recognizing the university that awarded the degree. The bachelor's gown has pointed sleeves and is worn closed. The master's gown has oblong sleeves, open at the wrist. The rear part of its oblong shape is square cut, and the front part has an arc cut away which can be worn opened or closed. The doctor's gown has bell-shaped sleeves and is worn opened or closed. The majority of gowns are black, but a number of institutions have adopted other colors to identify special programs or groups within that institution. The hoods vary in length. All hoods are silk-lined in the academic color(s) of the institution conferring the degree. If the institution has more than one color, the colors are shown in divisions using chevrons. The traditional colors of Pennsylvania College of Optometry were adopted by Salus University and are represented by the cardinal and silver satin lining of the hood. The binding or edge of the doctor's, master's and bachelor's hoods is usually made of velvet in the color designating the subject in which the degree was granted. Some colors in the bindings of hoods are: 11
Arts/Humane Letters ..................................................................................white Audiology .........................................................................................spruce green Dentistry .......................................................................................................... lilac Education ...............................................................................................light blue Law ...............................................................................................................purple Medicine ..........................................................................................hunter green Nursing .......................................................................................................apricot Occupational Therapy..................................................................rhoades blue Optometry .................................................................................. seafoam green Philosophy ............................................................................................dark blue Physician Assistant ........................................................................hunter green Public Health ................................................................................... salmon pink Science ..........................................................................................golden yellow Black mortarboards are most commonly worn, though six-sided tams of various colors may be used.
Academic Regalia Adornment Alpha Upsilon Delta ........................................................ Spruce Green Cords Alumni Association Award ........................................................................Medal American Optometric Student Association ............ Seafoam Green Cords Beta Sigma Kappa (3 years or less) ..............................................Gold Cords Beta Sigma Kappa (4 years) .................. Gold and Black Intertwined Cords Gold Key International ..................................................................... Gold Stole Pi Alpha ....................................................Green and Blue Intertwined Cords Pi Theta Epsilon ........................................ Gold and Blue Intertwined Cords Established in 2015, the Alpha Upsilon Delta National Honor Society recognizes significant academic achievement, leadership and service to the audiology profession. The Salus University Alumni Association recognizes students in each program who attain the highest academic average. The American Optometric Student Association works to improve the visual welfare and health of the public, promotes the profession of optometry and life-long commitment to state affiliates, and enhances the education and welfare of optometry students. Founded in 1925, Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor 12
Society membership is attained by scholastic excellence as honor students in the schools and colleges of optometry. Established in 1972, the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society recognizes optometry students who have demonstrated outstanding professional and ethical attitudes through leadership and service to their class, college and profession. Established in 2004, the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants recognizes significant academic achievement, leadership, research, community/professional service. Honorary membership is bestowed to individuals who provide scholarship, leadership or service to the profession. Established in 1958, Pi Theta Epsilon National Honor Society for Occupational Therapists recognizes dedication toward advancement of the profession through scholarship.
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Board of Trustees Jo Surpin, MA, Chair Daniel Abramowicz, PhD, Vice-Chair Rebecca Delia, MS, Treasurer Craig Cassey, OD, Secretary Lisa Lonie, Assistant Secretary Terri Albertson, MS Derrick Artis, OD, MBA Thomas Beeman, PhD James Brand, BS I. William Collins, OD, Emeritus Christopher Dezzi, MBA Reade Fahs, MBA Barry Farkas, OD, Emeritus Carolyn Forcina, BA Donald M. Gleken, JD, Emeritus Keith Ignotz, MBA Helene Kaiser, OD Joyce Koh, JD Sarah Mitchell, JD Michele Palos-Samsi, PA-C Adrienne Phillips, MD, MPH Carl A. Polsky, JD, Emeritus Jane Scaccetti, MS Harold Wiener, OD, Emeritus Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, LHD (Hon.), MBA, Ex-officio
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Pennsylvania College of Optometry College of Education and Rehabilitation Osborne College of Audiology College of Health Sciences